Real Madrid Want Sociedad Youngster Inigo Martinez

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Real Madrid management wants to add more depth to their defence and they have set their eyes on Real Sociedad youngster Inigo Martinez.

Real Madrid already has the likes of Sergio Ramos, Pepe and Varane in its ranks, but coach Carlo Ancelotti wants to give more competition to the trio and is a big admirer of the young Basque.

Spanish daily Marca has also confirmed the interest of Real Madrid in Martinez. Marca report says that: “Iñigo Martínez remains a potential target should Real Madrid need to bring in defensive cover for next season. The club has gone so far as to contact the player’s agent to inform him that ‘Los Blancos’ are interested in his services.”

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti sees Martinez as the long term prospect and the club had also opened the initial negotiations with Basque outfit in December but the deal failed to materialize.

Born in 1991, Martínez is considered as one of the most talented young defender of Spain. Martinez is a product of Real Sociedad’s youth academy and he is a key member of their squad since 2011. The youngster has made over 95 appearances for Sociedad. He also made his international debut for Spain last year in a friendly against Ecuador.

Recent reports have linked Pepe with the move away from Santigao Bernabeu. Manchester City is said to be the interested club in the Portuguese defender and Ancelotti is also willing to part ways with him if a suitable offer comes in. Pepe is not the trusted lieutenant of Real boss Carlo Ancelotti and the Italian is planning to partner either Varane or a new signing with Sergio Ramos in the coming season.

However, Real Madrid is not the only interested club in the services of young Martinez. Eternal rivals FC Barcelona have also been keeping an eye on Martinez. FC Barcelona even made an initial offer of €10m to Real Sociedad but it was swiftly rejected by the management of the club. FC Barcelona’s new boss Luis Enrique is also a big admirer of Martinez and has reportedly asked Sporting Director Andoni Zubizaretta to keep tabs on the youngster.

Real Sociedad management is fully aware of the interest of both La Liga giants in their prized asset though. The release clause of the player is around €30m and his club wants to fetch maximum possible returns from the sell of Martinez.

Real Madrid won their much coveted La Decima last season but failed to win the league as they finished behind Atletico Madrid and FC Barcelona. Winning La Liga is going to be the first priority of Ancelotti next season and president Florentino Perez has given complete freedom to the Italian to the select potential value additions for this transfer window.